Superintendents Unite Against Amendment Two in Bowling Green
In an impactful gathering on Monday at Lisa Rice Library in Bowling Green, Kentucky, school superintendents from multiple districts came together to express their strong opposition to Amendment Two. This proposed amendment aims to alter the Kentucky constitution to allow tax dollars to financially support private schools. The superintendents from Bowling Green Independent Schools, Russellville Independent Schools, Owensboro Public Schools, and Simpson County Schools all stood united in their concerns.
The Proposed Amendment
The wording of the amendment suggests that “The General Assembly may provide financial support for the education of students outside the system of common schools.” Essentially, if approved, this would allow lawmakers to divert funds from public education budgets to private institutions, something that has many educators worried.
Stark Warnings from Education Leaders
During the event, Gary Fields, superintendent of Bowling Green Independent Schools, emphasized the bleak consequences of such a measure, stating, “The impact of diverting public dollars to private schools will be devastating.” He pointed to a report from the Kentucky Center of Economic Policy, which estimates that implementing a program like Florida’s could cost Kentucky about $1.19 billion each year. To put that into perspective, Fields explained that this amount is equivalent to the salaries of nearly 9,869 public school teachers and employees in the state.
He further elaborated that for Bowling Green Independent Schools, a loss of $9.5 million could mean laying off approximately 74 educators. With Warren County being the fastest-growing school district in Kentucky, the repercussions could be even more severe. “A 14 percent budget reduction would be close to $27 million, resulting in a loss of 251 educator jobs,” Fields warned.
Local Impact on Other Districts
Kyle Estes, the superintendent of Russellville Independent Schools, shared his community’s potential challenges. He mentioned that Russellville could face a loss of 21 educator positions, and neighboring Logan County could lose 67 positions. Estes raised a critical question, “Where would those dollars go?” He highlighted that over half of Kentucky’s private schools are located in just three counties: Jefferson, Fayette, and Boone. “This means tax dollars from Russellville could end up funding private schools far from our classrooms,” he noted.
Interestingly, Estes also pointed out that there are currently 63 counties in Kentucky without any K-12 private schools. This could lead to a disturbing trend where tax dollars leave those districts to support private education elsewhere. He passionately argued for the role and responsibility of public schools: “Public schools educate every student that comes to us. We do our best with the resources we have.”
A Call to Action
The superintendents underscored that their gathering was not just a formality but a heartfelt plea to the community. They made it clear that they were acting as concerned residents rather than simply fulfilling their roles as superintendents. They urged community members to consider the far-reaching implications of Amendment Two when they head to the polls in November. “Vote no on Amendment Two,” they insisted, believing that preserving public schools should be the priority for every Kentuckian.
As the conversation around education funding heats up in the state, it’s essential for voters to be informed and understand the potential impacts of such amendments. With each passing day until the election, discussions like the one held at Lisa Rice Library become more crucial in shaping the future of education in Kentucky.
